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Amaechi Seeks Fresh Polio Immunisation Nationwide …As Rotary Immunises 2billion Children
Comptroller, Nigerian Immigration Services, Apapa Port, Mrs Taiwo Olayemi, Commissioner, Lagos Ports Authority Police Command, Mr Kayode Aderanti (right) and other officials during a visit by the Police Commissioner to the immigration office, Apapa Port last Wednesday.
Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi has called for intensified anti-Polio drive in the Northern part of the country.
He said current statistics reveal that the North is still beset with the disease which often attack children at infancy, noting that there are not much cases in the South because of the heightened awareness.
Governor Amaechi while speaking when the Rotary Foundation Trustee Chairman and past Rotary International President, Rotarian Domg Kurn Lee led other Rotarians to pay him a courtesy call at Government House yesterday, in Port Harcourt, declared zero tolerance for Polio in the state.
With the current success recorded in Polio reduction nationwide has bouyed Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi to call for a fresh Polio immunization campaign across the country.
Already, in Rivers State, the governor has directed the state Ministry of Health to ensure that children are vaccinated in the state to eradicate Polio.
The state chief executive, who noted that the Nigeria Governor’s Forum(NGF) considers immunization as an essential in the eradication of Polio, thanked Rotary International for been part of the fight to end Polio in the country, and enjoined them to intensify their campaign more in the Northern part of the country where the cases of polio is very high.
“The last time you came here, I stressed there is need to establish more Rotary Clubs in the North becuase the fight against Polio should be in the North than in the South. We have had one or two occasions where we have had cases of suspected polio in the South; that was only in Edo”.
He said that Polio cases are more in the North than in the South, especially Yobe and recently Taraba.
He added that,” the petition therefore is to start a fresh Polio immunization campaign again” since immunization is the only answer to the menace.”
The governor warned of the conswquences of contacts from outside the country, stressing that in Rivers State, “ for every child that is born needs to be immunised from Polio’’.
He commended Rotary for the humanitarian work they are doing to fight the menace, while enjoining them to sustain the good works.
Earlier, the Rotary Foundation Trustee Chairman and past Rotary International President, Rotarian Domg Kurn Lee noted that Rotary’s number one priority project is Polio eradication, and thanked Governor Chibuike Amaechi, his wife and the government of Rivers State for the numerous support to Rotary Foundation to eradicate Polio.
Rotarian Domg Kurn Lee, who pointed out that Nigeria is still Polio endemic country, expressed the hope that Rotary will end Polio in Nigeria as well as from the list of Polio free countries.
Meanwhile, not less than 2 billion children have been immunized Worldwide against the polio virus by the rotary Club International.
The Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair and Past Rotary International President, Dong Kuru Lee, who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, also said that the end of Polio is in sight in Nigeria.
Dong Kurn Lee said that the club is working hard to certify Nigeria as a Polio-free nation, stressing that the club takes the issue of Polio seriously.
He commended members of the Rotary Club District 9140 for their level of hospitality, and urged all to join hands with the club to eradicate Polio in the country.
The Rotary International Foundation Trustee Chair also administered Polio vaccines to some children at the Igwuruta Health Centre as well as unveiled of “End Polio Now, Billboard of Sir Emeka Offor at Igwuruta/Airport roundabout.
In his address, the District Governor District 9140, Rotarian Charles Onianwa said that Polio eradication has been Rotary International’s first priority goal and project for many years.
Rotarian Onianwa said that the club has done very well as far as immunization against polio is concerned.
“We have gone so far. We have immunized over 2 billion children and endemic polio is gone,” he said.
The District Governor also said that the District 9140 is faced with the problem of provision of good water, stressing that the District’s inability to access District grant fund was hampering the provision of water to its catchment areas.
He called for a review of the embargo placed on the District to enable it access funds.
Also speaking, the Rotary Polio Ambassador to Nigeria, Sir Emeka Offor, said that the efforts of the club has led to gradual reduction of Polio cases in the country.
Offor, however, said that a lot needs to be done to make Nigeria Polio free.
It would be recalled that Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan are the three countries left to be certified polio-free.
John Bibor
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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